SubscribeDate of Trek: Monday, April 13, 2009
Quick Summary: An out-and-back hike from Chautauqua Park to the top of First Flatiron in Boulder.
Description
A short, but difficult trail that starts in Chautauqua Park in Boulder. The trail starts climbing immediately and rarely lets up. Although much of the trail is a rocky, dirt path, portions force you to scramble over rock slides or even climb short rock faces to reach the top of the mountain. The lower portions of the trail are suitable for children, but once you pass above trail junction 4 (see the map), it’s far too dangerous to bring young children along.
Panoramic views are plentiful. Early in the journey, you’ll have views of Boulder and the surronding areas. Later in the hike, you’ll be able to look out towards Denver. On a clear day, even downtown Denver is visible in the distance.
| Distance | 2.78 mi / 4.47 km | Starting Elevation | 5679 ft / 1731 m |
| Lowest Elevation | 5679 ft / 1731 m | Highest Elevation | 7218 ft / 2200 m |
What You Will See
Where You Will Go
Details
| Has Facilities | no | Has Food Available | no |
| Facility Info | Food Types | ||
| Has Restrooms | no | Has Drinking Water | no |
| Restroom Type | |||
| Hours | sunrise to sunset | Parking Spaces | Parking at trailhead. Additional parking a short walk away. |
| Fees | none | ||
| Trail Usage | foot travel only,hiking | Pets Allowed | yes |
| Terrain | rocky/uneven,dirt | Pet Rules | On a leash at all times. |
| Foliage | evergreen,prairie / grassland | Wildlife Possiblities | mule deer, chipmunks, squirrels |
Trek Report
I arrived at the park early Monday morning and found a number of cars already in the parking lot, but it was mostly empty. By the time I returned in the early afternoon, the lot was almost completely full. A little surprising for a weekday. If you come on a weekend, you might have to park elsewhere in the park. This place is popular.
Although the trail starts out pretty tame, it quickly became challenging as I entered the forest and started climbing. The path became rocky, uneven, and zigzagged constantly as I climbed. I loved it! I especially liked scampering across the boulders at the rock slide and climbing a small rock wall midway up the mountain using the hand and toe holds carved into the rock. Since I was shooting video, I had to do it several times in order to get the footage and retrieve my camera.
The views of the Colorado flatlands east of the Rockies are excellent. I could make out downtown Denver in the distance when looking south and could see all of Boulder when looking north. Only when you reach the top do you get to see views of the Rockies west of your location.
I ran into some lingering snow on the trail in the higher elevations. Since most of the trail falls on the north side of the mountain, this was expected. There were several areas with an inch or two on the trail which made things a little slippery, but, all in all, it wasn’t bad. It should all be gone in a few more weeks.
